FootGolf at Disney is the best family activity that you’ve probably never heard of. Even if you’re a golfer, you’re probably up and out for 18 holes at Disney’s Magnolia golf course or one of the other award winning golf courses, never even knowing that FootGolf is right there waiting for the family!
But here’s a secret. I don’t like golf (or assume I wouldn’t since I’ve never actually played). I can, however, putt with the best of them in miniature golf. When I’m on vacation, though, I like to be a little more active.
FootGolf is the best of golf and soccer. So if you’re looking for something completely different and fun for the whole family, you’re going to want to check out Disney’s Oak Trail course offering FootGolf every afternoon. I had a chance to play and had a complete blast (pro tip: don’t go on super hot days).
Here’s everything you need to know to get your family on board.
What is FootGolf?
Don’t worry. I didn’t know either. But it’s exactly as the name implies. You’re playing GOLF with your FEET.
The golf balls would be a little too small to kick so you soccer balls. And as you might imagine, the holes where you’re trying to sink the ball are much larger.
FootGolf is a precision sport played at a golf course facility with regulation #5 soccer balls. The ball is kicked toward a 21″ diameter cup on shortened length holes.
The goal, much like golf, is to make it into the hole with the fewest number of kicks.
Is FootGolf actually a real thing?
Oh yes. This is not just some made up Disney sport to get your family to the golf course. There is an American FootGolf Federation and and Federation for International FootGolf (FIFG) which is the worldwide governing body of the sport.
The sport was “invented” in 2008 in the Netherlands by Bas Korsten and Michael Jansen. Korsten’s brother was a professional soccer player who end his training sessions by kicking the balls from the training area back to the locker rooms in as few kicks as possible.
It became an official sport with a governing body when it launched in 2012 in Budapest Hungary. It now boasts players from 33 countries around the world!
How do you play FootGolf at Disney?
Disney’s Oak Trail is a 9 hole course. They’ll provide you with a score card and your selection of soccer balls. From there, it’s a matter of following a few simple rules:
- Everyone selects their own ball (remember your color!)
- Kick your ball from behind the tee markers at the hold.
- After everyone completes their first kick, the player farthest from the hole is the first to kick the ball next.
- Wait to play until the ball has come to a complete stop.
- Don’t move the ball. Play it where it lands!
- Unless it lands in the water. But like golf, avoid the water and sand traps.
We kept it very serious at first. And then we were really just there to cheer each other on!
What do you wear to play FootGolf?
If you already play golf, you’re set. Golf attire is always recommended on the course but it’s a sport designed for all ages so there’s no super strict dress code (except golf shirts preferred and no denim!).
If you really want to get into the spirit though and look like a true FootGolfer, you’ll want to wear knee-high argyle socks and a flat-topped cap.
Most importantly, wear comfortable shoes. Sneakers or running shoes are fine, just make sure they are closed toe shoes!
Who should play FootGolf?
This is the best part of FootGolf. It’s for everyone!
There’s no age requirement so the whole family can get out there and kick the ball. It’s a great way to burn off steam, run around, and take a break from crowds. And you don’t need to be athletic to play (a huge bonus for my family!).
When it’s not your turn, you can spend time looking for local wildlife as the course is an Audubon International certified signature sanctuary. Here are some animals you might be able to see while kicking around:
- American Bald Eagle
- American White Ibis
- Great Blue Heron
- Florida Hawk
- Eastern Cottontail Rabbit
- White Tailed Deer
- Tree Squirrel
- American Alligator
- Florida Armadillo
- Florida Osprey
- Florida Wild Turkey
- North American Raccoon
We actually saw wild turkeys and an Anhinga (which looks very similar to a heron) near a water feature.
What you need to know to play FootGolf at Disney
Disney’s Oak Trail FootGolf Course measures in at 1,240 yards over a par for the course of 35 with a challenging selection of par 3s, 4s and 5s. Generally, you can expect to spend anywhere from 90 minutes to 2 hours to complete the course, with a maximum recommended group of four players.
You will need a reservation to play and can make a reservation up to 90 days in advance. course is available for FootGolf after 2:30pm each Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday.
The cost varies by season and runs from $20 to $29 per person per game (40% off for junior guests under the age of 18).
Check out FootGolf at Disney at the Happiest Place on TURF!
